Imagine a Marine squad positioned on a remote pacific island, facing an incoming drone swarm with communications disrupted. In such high-stakes scenarios, rapid decision-making is critical. That's where the Marine Corps' Project Dynamis steps in, using Marine Corps AI to fuse real-time data from Navy vessels and Air Force satellites, enabling precise strikes that can turn the tide of battle. This initiative represents a significant advancement in how the Corps equips its forces for modern warfare.
The U.S. Marine Corps launched Project Dynamis on September 10, 2025, following a memorandum signed by Lt. Gen. Daniel J. O’Donohue. Col. Arlon D. Smith leads the cross-functional team responsible for deploying the Maven Smart System (MSS), developed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in collaboration with Palantir. According to MARADMIN 429/25, released on September 11, this provides unlimited access via secure networks to major commands such as Marine Expeditionary Forces. The program aligns with the April 2025 Artificial Intelligence Implementation Plan, which positions data as a strategic asset in warfighting. For insights into the Corps' broader AI strategy, see our coverage of how the Marines harness AI to gain an edge over adversaries.
The formal announcement on September 23 emphasized AI's role in accelerating battlefield decisions. This builds on extensive testing, addressing the urgent need to adapt to sophisticated threats. As peer competitors advance their capabilities, Project Dynamis ensures the Corps remains at the forefront of integrated operations.
Historical Background of Marine Corps AI Efforts
To appreciate Project Dynamis, it's essential to look back at the Corps' evolving approach to AI. The foundation was laid with the April 2025 Artificial Intelligence Implementation Plan (AI IPlan), a comprehensive five-year strategy spanning FY 2025-2030. This document outlines workforce development, ethical guidelines, and collaborative partnerships, describing AI as a "transformative technology" for both combat and administrative functions.
This effort traces back to Force Design 2030, introduced in 2020, which reoriented the Corps toward more agile, distributed units where AI plays a pivotal role in intelligence processing. Initial demonstrations at the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab demonstrated substantial reductions in planning timelines. However, the plan faced scrutiny for its perceived focus on specific adversaries. Marine leadership robustly defended these changes; for more on that discussion, refer to our report where a Marine 3-star hits back at claims the Corps' future design is too China-focused.
The AI IPlan includes key milestones, such as the establishment of an AI Governance Framework by September 2025, ensuring responsible integration. Capt. Christopher Clark has highlighted the importance of upskilling across ranks to make AI accessible and effective. This progression reflects the Corps' commitment to leveraging technology while maintaining core warfighting principles.
How Project Dynamis Boosts Joint Fusion
Project Dynamis addresses the challenge of data overload by transforming disparate information into actionable intelligence. The Maven Smart System serves as a unified interface, incorporating tools like Foundry for data management, Gaia for visualization, and Maverick for targeting. This enables Marines to derive insights rapidly, even in communications-denied environments.
The program's phased rollout includes completing evaluations across all Marine Expeditionary Forces by the end of fiscal 2025. Training resources are readily available through the NGA Maven Wiki and eLearning modules outlined in the June 2025 MARADMIN. A practical recommendation for service members: Begin with SIPRNet-accessible modules and incorporate simulations to build proficiency. As noted in DefenseScoop, the team's collaborative approach mitigates issues like network vulnerabilities, informed by experiences in hybrid conflicts.
Additionally, Dynamis enhances sustainment and analytical capabilities at Headquarters Marine Corps through decentralized integration. Drawing from operations in Ukraine and the Red Sea, it prioritizes resilience. For related developments in communication technology, see our article on the Marine Corps testing new 5G equipment for faster battlefield communication.
Linking Services in the CJADC2 Kill Web
Project Dynamis excels in fostering interoperability across the joint force, serving as a vital component of Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2). Commands such as U.S. Indo-Pacific and Central Command are adopting MSS to facilitate data sharing, countering threats like China's extensive drone deployments. Col. Smith articulated this priority: "As Marines, our ability to aggregate, orchestrate, analyze, and share fused data at machine speeds is a warfighting imperative."
Integration benefits include ground data fusion for the Army, maritime command enhancement for the Navy, and accelerated air linkages for the Air Force. This creates a cohesive network where Marine contributions amplify overall effectiveness.
Recent exercises like Keen Sword 2025 demonstrated these capabilities, enabling efficient data exchange for swift responses. Lt. Col. Jason Hibler observed that "lessons from past exercises allow the lab to iterate and improve based on real-time data and feedback from coalition partners." To explore wargaming's role in refining these skills, review our Marine Corps Fight Club article on using wargaming to hone cognitive skills.
CJADC2 unifies domains—air, land, sea, space, and cyber—with Dynamis ensuring Marine tactical data integrates seamlessly, potentially reducing decision cycles by 50% in trials. Collaboration with allies like Japan strengthens coalition readiness. For context on emerging threats, consult our report on Marine units rotating to the Indo-Pacific without organic counter-drone capabilities, highlighting how Dynamis addresses such vulnerabilities.
Key Statistics and Milestones in Marine Corps AI
Statistics underscore AI's expanding role within the Corps. The AI IPlan targets training more than 10,000 Marines by 2026, creating a broadly skilled force. Department-wide, $28 billion was invested in defense AI startups in 2025, supporting these efforts. Early Marine pilots have demonstrated up to 50% reductions in decision times, a metric with direct operational impact.
Milestones include the September 2025 Governance Framework and Q1 2026 rollout. By 2030, AI is expected to permeate all functions. In contrast, China's People's Liberation Army has fielded over 10,000 drones in exercises, emphasizing the urgency. Breaking Defense positions Dynamis as a critical joint enabler.
For additional perspective on wargaming contributions, see our article on the Marines pumping millions into a high-tech wargaming center, which has supported 31 games since 2019.
Fighting Threats with Project Dynamis
Project Dynamis directly counters emerging threats, such as China's AI-driven electronic warfare and drone swarms. It complements Force Design 2030 by enabling lighter, more intelligent units capable of distributed operations.
Col. Michael Carroll remarked, “Our ability to innovate, embrace, and operationalize rapid change continues to provide a competitive advantage.” Human oversight remains integral, adhering to DoD ethical standards. The FY26 AI Fellowship, per MARADMIN 460/25, offers pathways to specialized positions in data and ethics. Veterans transitioning may find this training valuable for civilian tech roles. Our coverage of the Marine Corps' shaving the size of infantry battalions as part of a planned transformation illustrates how these reductions, by 10% as of 2023, accommodate AI enhancements. Ethical considerations foster trust, balancing technological progress with accountability.
Future Outlook for Joint Operations
Looking forward, Project Dynamis will influence joint operations well into 2030. Anticipated expansions include additional pilots in exercises like RIMPAC and Keen Sword, incorporating more allied participation.
Workforce development is paramount, with Capt. Clark is advocating for AI integration at all echelons. By 2027, applications may extend to logistics. Potential challenges, including cybersecurity and algorithmic biases, will be managed through robust governance. For further reading on these evolutions, our article, where Marine leaders defend the restructuring plan after critiques, provides historical depth.
Ultimately, Dynamis positions the Corps as an AI leader, equipping forces to prevail in complex environments. As Col. Smith stated, "Project Dynamis is our bid for success to realize that vision." The complete USMC announcement offers detailed information.
